“Oh, yes - I dare say! Pretty business a married man and the father of a family must have out of doors at one in the morning. What?
“I shall drive you mad?
“Oh, no; you haven’t feelings enough to go mad - you’d be a better man, Caudle, if you had.
“Will I listen to you?
“What’s the use? Of course you’ve some story to put me off with - you can all do that, and laugh at us afterwards.
“No, Caudle, don’t say that. I’m not always trying to find fault - not I. It’s you. I never speak but when there’s occasion; and what in my time I’ve put up with there isn’t anybody in the world that knows.
“Will I hear your story?
“Oh, you may tell it if you please; go on: only mind, I sha’n’t believe a word of it. I’m not such a fool as other women are, I can tell you.
“There, now - don’t begin to swear - but go on - ” -
“ - And that’s your story, is it? That’s your excuse for the hours you keep! That’s your apology for undermining my health and ruining your family! What do you think your children will say of you when they grow up - going and throwing away your money upon good-for-nothing pot-house acquaintance?